AUSTIN (KXAN) — Dry and hot conditions in the southern Plains and lower Mississippi River Valley are leading to a developing flash drought.
What is flash drought?
Flash drought is the rapid onset or worsening of drought conditions caused by below-average rainfall and hotter-than-average temperatures, winds, and solar radiation.
Hot temperatures lead to an increase in evapotranspiration, quickly depleting soil moisture and allowing drought conditions to develop.
These rapid changes in moisture can cause harm to agriculture, impacting economies and commodities…